Tess, aka Eyes on Tess, is a lovely black female greyhound born on September 28, 2017. Her sire is Above All and her dam is Goldilocks. Tess had 18 races to her name all completed in Palm Beach, Florida and retired after her last race in 2019.
Tess recently rejoined GALT due to the health of her owner.
Tess is a spunky and affectionate gal, she was returned to GALT when her owner could no longer care for her. She presently shares her foster home with another senior Greyhound foster and a Pug/Jack Russell mix; her interaction with cats is unknown.
Tess was the only dog in her previous forever home. She was much loved and cared for and definitely earned the nickname ‘Princess’. Tess was used to being the center attention and she will let her foster mom know when she’s failing her. She’ll eventually give up when her antics are ignored and retreat to her favorite space, the sofa.
Tess assimilated to her new environment quickly, taking her a day or two to realize she was in a safe place. She is respectful of the other dogs and displays no food or toy aggression. She did claim homestead to the chaise section of the sofa and had to be coaxed off with positive actions, using training treats. Now she will move when directed, although reluctantly (the Princess in her).
Tess is broad framed, very strong and a bit of a chunky girl. She now finds herself on a diet of reduced kibble and treats. She has adjusted well to the smaller portion and will rush into the kitchen when she hears activity. Tess likes to be in the middle of the action, hoping for a morsel of food to fall on the floor.
Tess is good at alerting when she needs to go out – pacing by the back door is the usual sign. Once outside Tess loves to explore and run around with her little housemate. She has shown no signs of jumping the gates or block wall; however, a high wall (6ft at least) is highly recommended as she is very curious to see what’s outside the enclosed yard.
Tess is very vocal so apartment living would not be the best environment for her. She barks when someone is at the door so she’s a good alert dog. Tess is a ‘bolter’, so it’s highly recommended there is a pet gate across any door that leads outside i.e. front door, door in laundry room that leads to the garage. She is respectful of the gates and does not try to cross them, even when FedEx makes a delivery.
Tess is sensitive to thunder and loud noises, jumping up from wherever she is resting and does her warning bark. I would not say she is thunder phobic as she quickly goes back to resting as if nothing happened when the event is over.
Tess loves to go for walks and car rides, and it’s recommended that she get into the car from the side doors. The opening of an SUV tailgate is an invitation to leap out of the car. Once in the car, she settles down for the ride and shows no signs of anxiety.
Even though Tess is a senior, she has the energy level and spunkiness of a much younger dog. She is going to make her next forever person a great companion who gives affection as well as accepting it.
